   Ross "Rocky" Riggs 30 April 1919 - 3 November 2009 Laverne "Gal" Riggs 7 March 1921 - 13 December 1989 wed 2 August 1946  The Herald Democrat November 6, 2009 DENISON - Ross "Rocky" Warren Riggs left Earth for a better place with the Lord on Nov. 3, 2009. Rocky was born in Nelsonville, Ohio, April 30, 1919 to Wilda Wagner Riggs and Lester Riggs. Rocky's mother, Wilda, died at the young age of 19 years, so Rocky was adopted and raised by his grandparents, Mary and Abbert Riggs. Rocky first worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps in Nelsonville, Ohio and Silver Lake, Oregon. On Dec. 11, 1941 he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he specialized in radio communications and direction finding equipment. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. During World War II, Rocky was stationed in the Philippines Islands. He was honorably discharged and re-enlisted in the Army Air Force. He transferred into the U.S. Air Force where he continued working in electronics. On Aug. 2, 1946, Rocky married Laverne Loretta Reeder in a military wedding in the Jackson Barracks Area Chapel in New Orleans. Rocky was preceded in death by his wife, Laverne. He is survived by sons, Larry of Denison and Tim of Mt. Pleasant. Among other honors, Rocky was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service between June 27, 1967 through May 23, 1968, while serving in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. On Oct. 24, 1968, he received the RVN Armed Forces Honor Medal, 2nd Class, which was presented from both the United States and the country of Vietnam. Rocky retired from the Air Force Feb. 1, 1970, having attained the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Over the years, he won numerous awards in the Texoma region for his works of poetry. He was a member of the Freemasonry fraternity and a lifetime member of the Texoma VFW. Rocky was a patriot, a poet, an avid dancer, and a good-hearted gentleman. He will remain in our hearts and memories for all our days. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009 at the Georgetown Cemetery, Pottsboro, Texas with Rev. Bill Brown officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Bratcher Funeral Home, 401 W. Woodard St., Denison.  Georgetown Cemetery Susan Hawkins © 2024 If you find any of Grayson County TXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message. |